With the final eight teams competing in the Upper Bracket Quarterfinals for a chance to lift the Aegis of Champions, the International 2025 playoffs have officially begun. The fights promise to provide some of the most intense Dota 2 action of the year, the energy is electric, and the stakes are higher than ever.
Upper Bracket Heats Up
Xtreme Gaming vs. Tundra Esports, PARIVISION vs. HEROIC, Team Tidebound vs. Team Falcons, and BetBoom Team vs. Nigma Galaxy are the four exciting matchups in the first round of the playoffs.
After an undefeated 4-0 run in the Group Stage, Xtreme Gaming enters as the favorite, while Tundra Esports, who just managed to make it into the Main Event, are hoping to change the tide. On the opposite side of the bracket, Team Tidebound and Team Falcons put their resiliency to the test in their first TI playoff appearance, while PARIVISION and HEROIC are slated for a fierce matchup.
Given that both teams bring momentum and seasoned firepower to the arena, the final matchup between BetBoom Team and Nigma Galaxy might turn out to be the most unpredictable.
Some of the biggest names in the game, meanwhile, will not be participating in the playoffs this year. Team Spirit, the TI10 champions, had their hopes of winning Aegis dashed by Team Falcons in the lower bracket, while Team Liquid lost to Tundra in a thrilling tiebreaker.
A Different Kind of Battle: Tackling Toxicity
However, TI25 isn’t just about esport success; it’s also igniting a discussion about how the Dota community can transcend negativity. The “Stop Motherf***ing” campaign, started by adult entertainer and content creator Eva Elfie, aims to reduce verbal abuse and harassment in gaming environments.
The project provides more than just a warning about inappropriate conduct. Players are able to measure and control their behavior instead of being reduced to simple labels or slurs thanks to a self-assessment tool that helps them think back on their own interactions.
A Stage for Competition and Community
This initiative’s timing couldn’t be more appropriate. The discussion of inclusivity and respect serves as a vital counterbalance as rivalries intensify on the TI25 main stage. Dota 2 is, after all, about the culture that surrounds it as much as what takes place in the booth.
Performance and professionalism are equally highlighted, whether it’s Xtreme Gaming seeking supremacy, Nigma Galaxy seeking atonement, or Team Falcons continuing their Cinderella run. This year’s International serves as a reminder that how we play the game and treat one another is just as important as the battle for the Aegis.
